The Ranch's philosophies and experience began over 35 years ago on a small Adirondack family ranch here in Saranac Lake. Our expertise shows in everything we do. We were the first to develop motivational riding camp programs and to take safety to higher standards. In fact we know you are only as good as your fellow equines are. As opposed to other stables, we don’t lease or sell our horses (certain stables will lease their horses for the summer and then dispose of them at the auction house) and when they retire, they retire with us.; after all, we are their family.

​Adirondack Horse Rescue

We developed this company with the horse in mind. Most of our horses have been rescued an/or taken from unfortunate circumstances such as owner surrenders or slaughter auctions. Funded strictly from our own pockets, we rehabilitate these animals, provide them with the necessary nutrition, health care and attention, and depending on the horses' performance we provide them with a permanent home here with us or selectively adopt them out to great, local homes in the area.

Most of our working crew, that consists of a mix of quarter horses, appaloosas, paints and drafts, come from the New Holland Auction Stables, in New Holland, Pa.

This auction is known to be the largest kill auction east of Mississippi.

By joining us for any of our equine activities you are supporting our mission. This support ensures that these rescued animals will have a good and healthy home, and avoid the gruesome transport to a meat processing plant in Canada or Mexico. These trips are usually very inhumane and many horses arrive dead or crippled to their final destination. We rescue as many as we can, so like us, join us and save a life or two !

Community - We have the horse knowledge and people experience to work with a wide variety of community groups and organizations. Our doors are always open for such programs as the Adirondack Residential Center where troubled youth are given a second chance at learning a better way of life.

"Committed to helping children achieve their dreams, build independence and develop team leadership"

Staff Profiles

The high standard of our counselors recruited each year contribute greatly to the success of WildHorse Camp. The directors individually select the entire Camp staff from a large source of applicants. From college sophomores to university graduates, the list is long and stakes are high ! Every applicant goes through rigorous interviewing, reference and background checks. These individuals, so dear to our heart, are selected based on experience in working with children of all ages. We require a positive attitude, love for children and the Adirondacks, maturity, companionability, individuality, and qualities of leadership.

We search for individuals who can serve as role models and mentors to the children.

Our counselors are young adults (usually between 17 - 20 years of age) who have significant experience working with children of all ages. They are responsible for the safety, supervision, leadership and planning of the daily operation of the program.

All counselors are supervised by Directors and Administrators, who have had many years of experience in the fields of education, sociology and equine science & medicine. All staff members participate in a 10-day staff training program.

Quality Staff Make the Difference

The attribute and main component of our camp has always been the distinct adult staff we hire to work with us at our Camp Programs. We know that it is the enthusiasm of our counselors who COMPLETE the camp experience and make it special for our campers. Our Staff serves as a proactive role model for our campers to create a nurturing environment that strengthens and enables them to develop, grow and flourish. Every day we encourage growth, independence, strength, trust and confidence. Here at WildHorse, we want our campers to be proud of what they accomplished as we look forward to seeing many of them back every year.

Staff Selection & Screening

The Camp spends much of its off season in selecting the best staff available for the camp. We view our staff as both role models and representatives of the WildHorse community. All staff are an extension of our high standards and commitment to excellence. The many steps that staff applicants go through as part of our hiring process ensures that each fits well with our camp and that their work here will be beneficial for them, our campers, and the ADK WildHorse organization.

WildHorse Staff Selection Process

Applicant submits resume

Applicant completes staff application

ADK WildHorse checks applicant's four references

Applicant interviews with personnel recruiter

Applicant has personal,vis-a-vis interview with the Camp Directors

ADK WildHorse Staff Screening Process

Background investigation complete

Complete staff orientation prior to start of staff training

Complete all staff certifications prior to start of camp

Submit to random drug and alcohol testing

North Country Horse Rescued

A horse rescued by our program agency.

Dreamer, an owner surrender from Moira, NY. Dreamer is an approximately 20 year old mare, that is slowly gaining weight. However, it will be a little while before Dreamer manages to get her muscle back, especially in her hind quarters.

She is currently being fed with soaked Standlee Alfalfa Pellets, fresh grass hay, and several supplements to improve her red blood cell count due to anemia. Dreamer was wormed with panacur, single dose on 8/29/13.

The camp is hosted on the grounds of a working farm that operates all year round. There are very few horse farms in the Adirondacks, as horse keep is challenging, especially in the winter months. With winter temperatures going down to as low as -40 at night, and -10 during the day, the obstacles can potentially be severe.

Our winters are long, lasting at times up to five months, immediately followed by a muddy spring. Where there are horses, there is mud ! The Adirondacks are famous for their rich and fortified soil, which continuously retains water, and is not the most accommodating environment to raise horses. With limited pasture space, the horses at our farm are very lucky to be able to graze on a 25 acre field by the main cabin along with a view that could not be beat: Whiteface Mountain and The High Peaks.

The ranch shares the ideology of an unspoiled, natural environment that promotes its Adirondack beauty. A large portion of the area is under the protection of conservation which cannot be altered.

Camp Director

A successful entrepreneur, Mr. Rhoads is an instrument rated pilot and a real-estate agent in the state of Florida. He specializes in real-estate sales regarding aviation communities and custom made homes. Being a pilot helps him to facilitate the gap between seller and buyer.

As well as being an accomplished pilot, Mr. Rhoads is an avid sailor, and outdoorsman.

Mr. Rhoads has raced in many regattas all over the United States winning many first place trophies.

As an outdoorsman, Mr. Rhoads thrives in the Adrondacks;

fishing, kayaking, hiking, and skiing.

Ryan also spends his time helping the community, raising money for Breast Cancer, supporting an orphanage in Malaysia, and is actively involved in the building of a school for girls in India.

Education:

Stetson University

Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Administration and Management, General